How to Treat Dog Splinters
Dogs get splinters from running through the woods or even walking on the pavement. Some splinters can be shallow, while others may be deep. Here's how to remove and treat shallow splinters.
Instructions
-
-
1
If your dog approaches you with a splinter, be gentle and careful not to push the splinter further into the skin.
-
2
Trim the fur around the splinter to see it more clearly. Use clippers or scissors and be careful not to cut the skin while trimming.
-
-
3
Wash the area thoroughly to prevent infection. You can use a soap and water mix or Betadine, which is an antiseptic cleaner.
-
4
Clean the tweezers with an alcohol pad.
-
5
If the splinter is sticking out far enough, try pulling it out with the tweezers by slowly wiggling it.
-
6
After the splinter is out, let the wound bleed. This will help prevent infection because the blood flushes out the wound.
-
7
After it bleeds, wash the wound thoroughly. Clean the wound with a good antiseptic cleaner such as Betadine to prevent infection.
-
8
If the wound does not heal or you cannot remove the splinter, call the vet for an evaluation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have trouble removing the splinter, apply a hot compress to the wound for a few minutes. The heat will help draw out the splinter.
If your dog seems to be having trouble breathing due to the splinter, get him to the vet immediately.
Do not remove a large splinter such as a stick that is impaled in the body. This could cause more damage.
